New stores thrive at old Borders

Miss Sixty vests, $39.97, are also available as jackets, $59.97, at Nordstrom Rack.

Photo By Photo by Jennifer Rodriguez/Spec

Handcrafted floral arrangements are available at Michaels.

Photo By Photo courtesy Electra Bicycle C

REI sells this Electra Daisy bike.

It's been about a year since big bookseller Borders closed its doors in San Antonio. Did you, like $hopGirl, wonder what type of store could possibly go in these spaces?

It turns out three retailers had ideas for the former Borders in San Antonio, and each location is now open — at the Quarry, Huebner Oaks and the Forum. So nicely do these new stores fit, you may have trouble remembering they once housed books.

Nordstrom Rack

The Nordstrom Rack, 255 E. Basse Road, that opened last month at the Quarry has a superhip and contemporary vibe.

When you first step inside, you're greeted by accessories, men's clothing and gear, and women's sleepwear and lingerie, not to mention a section with tools for hair and body — including great nail polish. Head up the escalator or elevator for women's contemporary, career wear and dresses as well as shoes for men and women.

And what shoes there are, including Munro and Mephisto for those who are looking for comfort as well as style at a great price. For instance, a pair of Munros that retails for about $150 cost less than $50.

The items in the store all seem hand-picked for this premium location. You'll still find a rack with basic tanks and T-shirts, but the selection of apparel seems to be more on-trend.

Clearance racks in the women's dresses section included all types of apparel.

You'll find all the great deals and gift items — even a few luggage pieces — you'd expect from a Nordstrom Rack, though unlike the store at the Rim, this Rack doesn't carry plus sizes or children's items.

And $hopGirl has saved the best for last: For the most part, you no longer need to stand in line to check out. Simply take your finds to a salesperson wearing a green shirt, who will ring up your purchases at one of the little stands throughout the store. You can have your receipt printed, emailed or both. It's supereasy and a huge time-saver. Love it!

REI

REI, open at Huebner Oaks, 11745 I-10 W., Suite 110, is an amazing store, offering everything you need for biking, running, hiking, fitness, climbing, camping, kayaking and more. A great mix of products for all these activities (including its own brand) are for sale, but REI also rents equipment, such as tents, backpacks and sleeping bags.

When $hopGirl first visited REI, she was struck by the chunky and fab Electra bikes. It turns out, if you hand over your driver's license or ID, they'll give you a helmet and you can take the bike outside and try it out.

The store carries clothing, shoes and gear for men, women and children, and it offers a variety of classes and get-togethers weekly. It also has a community board where you can post and find great local events. You'll even find a few games, books and protein, energy and snack items.

Then there's the membership program: For a one-time $20 fee, you can purchase a lifetime membership that entitles you to a discount on merchandise (normally 10 percent off regular-priced merchandise, refunded one time a year), notices of special sales, offers, coupons and more.

Michaels

The extra-large Michaels at the Forum in Selma, 8340 Agora Parkway, is packed with all you'd ever need for just about any crafting project.

Not only will you find painting, framing, beading, scrapbooking, floral, yarns and decorating items, there are also wonderful kits for everything from gingerbread houses and cake pops to stepping stones and wood projects. Michaels has a great selection of kids' projects, including science, crafting, model building and more. (Hint to grandparents: These kits are great because they are affordable — mostly $9.99 to $19.99 — and kids learn while they're creating it.)

In addition, the store offers a variety of projects to save costs on weddings and baby showers. Of course, it has all the holiday décor you could want, from trees and garland to gift wrap and ribbon. It is also now offering Lemax Villages houses and accessories.

$hopGirl loved the Bowdabra designer bowmaker, a variety of colors and styles of charger plates, fun umbrellas, handcrafted floral arrangements and old-fashioned candy. This store also hosts a variety of events and classes.

Jennifer Rodriguez is a local freelance writer/researcher who loves to shop in her spare time. $hopGirl can be reached at thebizwriter@gmail.com.